Si Jun Zi Tang
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
四君子汤 · Sì Jūn Zǐ Tāng
The foundational Qi-tonifying formula for pure Spleen and Stomach Qi deficiency. It rebuilds the transformation and transportation function of the Spleen without addressing significant dampness or phlegm.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Qi-Tonifying Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Spleen Qi Deficiency
- Primary Function
- Tonify Spleen Qi
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Tonify Qi and strengthen the Spleen
- Classical Source
- Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang (Formulary of the Pharmacy Service for Benefiting the People, Song dynasty, 1107)
- Available as Granules
- Yes
Formula Overview
The foundational Qi-tonifying formula for pure Spleen and Stomach Qi deficiency. It rebuilds the transformation and transportation function of the Spleen without addressing significant dampness or phlegm.
Therapeutic Principle
Traditionally selected for pure Spleen Qi deficiency without complicating phlegm, dampness or stagnation — the plain tonifying base from which Liu Jun Zi Tang departs by adding Ban Xia and Chen Pi for phlegm-damp, and Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang departs further when bloating from Qi stagnation predominates.
Composition: Sovereign, Minister, Assistant, Envoy
Every herb in the formula, grouped by the job it does in the classical hierarchy.
君SovereignTreats the main pattern
臣MinisterReinforces the sovereign
佐AssistantTreats accompanying patterns
Classical Composition
- Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma (Ren Shen) 3 liang (9g)
- Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma (Bai Zhu) 3 liang (9g)
- Poria (Fu Ling) 3 liang (9g)
- Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma Praeparata cum Melle (Zhi Gan Cao) 2 liang (6g)
Dosages follow the classical source and are shown for study, not as a prescription.
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
Actions
- Boosts qi and fortifies the spleen.
Indications
- Si Jun Zi Tang is indicated for patterns of spleen-stomach qi deficiency.
- Clinical manifestations include a pale, lusterless facial complexion, a faint, low voice, shortness of breath, and thin, unformed stool.
Tongue & pulseThe tongue is pale with a white coating. The pulse is deficient and weak.
Traditional Pathogenesis
Cause & mechanism
- This pattern is caused by spleen-stomach qi deficiency that hinders the transportation and transformation process.
- The spleen and stomach are the foundations of the postnatal constitution and the source of qi and blood production.
- When they become deficient there is not enough energy to support food digestion and absorption, which causes there to be less food intake.
- Internal damp-turbidity may follow spleen-stomach deficiency, which leads to thin, unformed stools.
- Since the spleen governs the muscles and limbs, and the nutrients transformed by a deficient spleen are far from enough, patients may lack strength.
- When this deficiency affects the qi and blood production, patients may develop a pale complexion because there is not enough blood going upward to nourish the face.
- The spleen is the mother to the lung, so lung qi may also become impaired and cause shortness of breath and a faint, low voice.
- In this condition, the treatment is to supplement and boost the spleen-stomach qi in order to re-establish normal transportation and transformation.
Clinical presentation
Tongue & pulseThe tongue and pulse signs all indicate qi deficiency.
Treatment strategy
- The treatment principle is to tonify Qi and strengthen the Spleen.
How does this formula compare?
Clinical Perspective
Si Jun Zi Tang is the base formula for pure Spleen Qi deficiency. Liu Jun Zi Tang adds Ban Xia and Chen Pi when phlegm-damp is present. Shen Ling Bai Zhu San further addresses chronic diarrhoea and dampness. Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang is chosen when Qi stagnation and bloating predominate.
Clinical Differentiation
- Si Jun Zi Tang is a basic formula used to supplement qi, and is commonly used to treat patterns of spleen-stomach deficiency.
- Many formulas developed in later generations, that supplement the spleen and boost qi, are derived from it.
- This clinical pattern is marked by pale complexion, poor appetite, shortness of breath, lack of strength in the four limbs, pale tongue with white coating, deficient, weak pulse.
Safety notes: This formula is warm and supplementing. It is not appropriate for spleen-stomach yin deficiency or for interior damp-heat with a greasy yellow coating.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the actions of Si Jun Zi Tang?
Si Jun Zi Tang has the actions of tonifying Qi and strengthening the Spleen. It is the foundational formula for Spleen-Stomach Qi deficiency and the parent of many later Qi-tonifying prescriptions.
Which modern diseases is Si Jun Zi Tang suited to?
Modern TCM clinical practice commonly applies it to individuals whose pattern differentiation falls within Spleen Qi deficiency, including chronic gastritis or functional dyspepsia with poor appetite, fatigue after illness, mild chronic loose stools, and weak recovery of digestive function without prominent Cold or Phlegm.
Is Si Jun Zi Tang suitable for improving fatigue, poor appetite, and loose stools?
For presentations of a pale or sallow complexion, tiredness, reduced appetite, a soft abdomen, loose or unformed stools, a pale tongue with thin white coating, and a weak pulse — in those whose pattern differentiation confirms Spleen-Stomach Qi deficiency — TCM commonly applies Si Jun Zi Tang as an adjunct. It cannot replace evaluation of anemia, malabsorption, or other medical causes of fatigue and poor appetite.
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Si Jun Zi Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Spleen Qi Deficiency, Fatigue & Poor Appetite
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Medical Disclaimer
For general TCM education only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified TCM practitioner or licensed healthcare provider before use, especially if pregnant, nursing, on medication, or managing a chronic condition.